Volumetrically efficient miniature X-ray system

Abstract

A device for producing x-rays includes: a housing that includes a folded high-voltage multiplier coupled to a filament transformer, the transformer coupled to an x-ray tube for producing the x-rays. A method of fabrication and an x-ray source are disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A device for producing x-rays, the device comprising:
 a high-voltage multiplier comprising a plurality of electrically connected rigid circuit boards that comprise an intermediate circuit board orthogonally oriented to a first circuit board and a second circuit board, wherein the first circuit board and the second circuit board are positioned in an opposing relationship to each other, and the high-voltage multiplier is coupled to a filament transformer that is coupled to an x-ray tube for producing the x-rays. 
 
     
     
       2. The device as in  claim 1 , wherein the device is disposed within a metallic housing that comprises a tubular insulating structure disposed therein. 
     
     
       3. The device as in  claim 2 , wherein the filament transformer comprises an outer coil disposed over an outer surface of the tubular insulating structure, and an inner coil disposed about an inner surface of the tubular insulating structure. 
     
     
       4. The device as in  claim 3 , wherein the filament transformer comprises at least one layer of magnetic material. 
     
     
       5. The device as in  claim 4 , wherein the magnetic material comprises at least one of a flexible and a rigid magnetic material. 
     
     
       6. The device as in  claim 1 , further comprising a control circuit coupled to the high-voltage multiplier, the filament transformer, and the x-ray tube. 
     
     
       7. The device as in  claim 6 , wherein the control circuit is contained within a container. 
     
     
       8. The device as in  claim 7 , wherein the container comprises shielding for at least one of electromagnetic interference (EMI), and radiation. 
     
     
       9. The device as in  claim 1 , wherein the high-voltage multiplier comprises a plurality of capacitors and a plurality of diodes arranged in stages. 
     
     
       10. The device as in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one insulating material disposed within void space of the housing. 
     
     
       11. The device as in  claim 10 , wherein the insulating material comprises at least one of a potting compound, rubber, synthetic rubber, polymeric material, elastomeric material, oil, per-fluorinated fluid, and a gaseous insulating material. 
     
     
       12. A method for fabricating an x-ray source, the method comprising:
 selecting a housing for the source; 
 disposing a high-voltage multiplier comprising a plurality of electrically connected rigid circuit boards that comprise an intermediate circuit board orthogonally oriented to a first circuit board and a second circuit board, wherein the first circuit board and the second circuit board are positioned in an opposing relationship to each other, and a portion of a filament transformer and an x-ray tube are positioned within the housing; and 
 disposing a remaining portion of the filament transformer over an exterior of the housing. 
 
     
     
       13. The method as in  claim 12 , wherein the selecting further comprises selecting a metallic housing and selecting a tubular insulating structure configured to fit within the housing. 
     
     
       14. The method as in  claim 13 , wherein the tubular insulating structure is chosen from a material with a high dielectric strength and high voltage endurance. 
     
     
       15. The method as in  claim 12 , further comprising electrically coupling the high-voltage multiplier, the filament transformer, and a control circuit. 
     
     
       16. The method as in  claim 12 , further comprising electrically coupling the high voltage multiplier and the filament transformer to the x-ray tube. 
     
     
       17. The method as in  claim 12 , further comprising filling void spaces of the housing with an insulating material. 
     
     
       18. An x-ray source comprising:
 a metallic housing comprising a tubular insulating structure disposed therein, the tubular insulating structure comprising a high-voltage multiplier comprising a plurality of electrically connected rigid circuit boards that comprise an intermediate circuit board orthogonally oriented to a first circuit board and a second circuit board, wherein the first circuit board and the second circuit board are positioned in an opposing relationship to each other, and the high-voltage multiplier is coupled to a filament transformer that is coupled to an x-ray tube for producing the x-rays, and wherein the transformer comprises an outer coil disposed over an outer surface of the tubular insulating structure, and an inner coil disposed about an inner surface of the tubular insulating structure; and 
 a control circuit electrically coupled to the high-voltage multiplier and the filament transformer to independently control high voltage and beam current of the x-ray tube. 
 
     
     
       19. The x-ray source as in  claim 18  configured for installation into an instrument. 
     
     
       20. The x-ray source as in  claim 18 , configured to provide up to 10 W output with 0-60 kV and 0-1 mA output. 
     
     
       21. A device for producing x-rays, the device comprising:
 an elongated insulating structure; 
 an x-ray tube disposed inside the insulating structure toward a front end thereof, the tube having a filament; 
 a high-voltage power supply disposed inside the housing behind the x-ray tube, the high-voltage power supply comprising a plurality of electrically connected rigid circuit boards that comprise an intermediate circuit board orthogonally oriented to a first circuit board and a second circuit board, wherein the first circuit board and the second circuit board are positioned in an opposing relationship to each other; 
 a transformer comprising an outer coil disposed over an outer surface of the insulating structure and an inner coil disposed about an inner surface of the insulating structure. 
 
     
     
       22. A device according to  claim 21 , wherein the high-voltage power supply is a Cockcroft Walton power supply comprising a feedback resistor disposed on the intermediate circuit board lengthwise between the opposing first and second rigid circuit boards. 
     
     
       23. A device according to  claim 21  wherein at least one of the x-ray tube and the power supply are removable from the insulating structure.